Society and the Statehttp://societyandthestate.com
Life, Liberty, and Your Pursuit of HappinessFri, 16 Feb 2018 15:55:39 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Life, Liberty, and Your Pursuit of HappinessSociety and the StateLife, Liberty, and Your Pursuit of HappinessSociety and the Statehttp://societyandthestate.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/sslogo.jpghttp://societyandthestate.com
65: Weldon Angelos on Mandatory Minimum Sentencinghttp://societyandthestate.com/65-weldon-angelos-on-mandatory-minimum-sentencing/
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:55:39 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=526http://societyandthestate.com/65-weldon-angelos-on-mandatory-minimum-sentencing/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/65-weldon-angelos-on-mandatory-minimum-sentencing/feed/0Most of us have little experience with the justice system. That’s why we tend to believe that it’s operating in our interests at all times. Weldon Angelos knows better. He was at the center of a criminal case in which he was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for a first time offense of selling marijuana. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws were the reason. Even the judge who sentenced him protested that the sentence was unjust and that there were far more serious crimes for which people would serve less time. Once you’ve heard Weldon’s story, you’ll better understand why […]Most of us have little experience with the justice system. That’s why we tend to believe that it’s operating in our interests at all times. Weldon Angelos knows better. He was at the center of a criminal case in which he was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for a first time offense of selling marijuana. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws were the reason. Even the judge who sentenced him protested that the sentence was unjust and that there were far more serious crimes for which people would serve less time. Once you’ve heard Weldon’s story, you’ll better understand why there’s a need for criminal justice reform today.

Weldon Angelos is the son of a Greek immigrant and was a music producer who worked with acclaimed musicians such as Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. After serving 13 years in prison, Angelos was released thanks to the efforts of a diverse group of advocates that included Snoop Dogg and Senator Mike Lee. He is currently rebuilding his life and working to affect needed reform of the criminal justice system.

]]>Most of us have little experience with the justice system. That’s why we tend to believe that it’s operating in our interests at all times. Weldon Angelos knows better. He was at the center of a criminal case in which he was sentenced to 55 years in fe...Most of us have little experience with the justice system. That’s why we tend to believe that it’s operating in our interests at all times. Weldon Angelos knows better. He was at the center of a criminal case in which he was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for a first time offense of selling marijuana. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws were the reason. Even the judge who sentenced him protested that the sentence was unjust and that there were far more serious crimes for which people would serve less time. Once you’ve heard Weldon’s story, you’ll better understand why […]Society and the State21:5464: Should We Do Away With the State of The Union Address?http://societyandthestate.com/64-should-we-do-away-with-the-state-of-the-union-address/
Mon, 12 Feb 2018 17:56:10 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=497http://societyandthestate.com/64-should-we-do-away-with-the-state-of-the-union-address/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/64-should-we-do-away-with-the-state-of-the-union-address/feed/0The annual State of the Union address has become a prominent fixture in America’s political landscape. It’s the social equivalent of an Academy Awards show for the political class, with lots of grandstanding, posturing, and playing to the cameras. How many of us know the history of the SOTU? Was it meant to be the kind of theatrical production that it has become? For that matter, what exactly does it do for the average American citizen? Links mentioned: Michael Rozeff on The Function of the State of the Union Abolish the State of the Union Address by Ed […]The annual State of the Union address has become a prominent fixture in America’s political landscape. It’s the social equivalent of an Academy Awards show for the political class, with lots of grandstanding, posturing, and playing to the cameras. How many of us know the history of the SOTU? Was it meant to be the kind of theatrical production that it has become? For that matter, what exactly does it do for the average American citizen?

]]>The annual State of the Union address has become a prominent fixture in America’s political landscape. It’s the social equivalent of an Academy Awards show for the political class, with lots of grandstanding, posturing, and playing to the cameras.The annual State of the Union address has become a prominent fixture in America’s political landscape. It’s the social equivalent of an Academy Awards show for the political class, with lots of grandstanding, posturing, and playing to the cameras. How many of us know the history of the SOTU? Was it meant to be the kind of theatrical production that it has become? For that matter, what exactly does it do for the average American citizen? Links mentioned: Michael Rozeff on The Function of the State of the Union Abolish the State of the Union Address by Ed […]Society and the State19:2663: Connor Boyack on How to Lobby In Your Pajamashttp://societyandthestate.com/63-connor-boyack-on-how-to-lobby-in-your-pajamas/
Wed, 07 Feb 2018 22:50:24 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=491http://societyandthestate.com/63-connor-boyack-on-how-to-lobby-in-your-pajamas/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/63-connor-boyack-on-how-to-lobby-in-your-pajamas/feed/0When it comes to exerting political influence, far too many people seem to thing that this is something best left to politicians and professional lobbyists. What if being an effective citizen was easier than you’ve been led to believe? In this episode, Connor walks us through the simple steps involved in making your voice heard by your elected representatives. The only reason more people don’t tend to do this is that they simply haven’t been taught how. Links mentioned: The Right, Wrong Kinds of Activists by Bryan HydeWhen it comes to exerting political influence, far too many people seem to thing that this is something best left to politicians and professional lobbyists. What if being an effective citizen was easier than you’ve been led to believe? In this episode, Connor walks us through the simple steps involved in making your voice heard by your elected representatives. The only reason more people don’t tend to do this is that they simply haven’t been taught how.

]]>When it comes to exerting political influence, far too many people seem to thing that this is something best left to politicians and professional lobbyists. What if being an effective citizen was easier than you’ve been led to believe?When it comes to exerting political influence, far too many people seem to thing that this is something best left to politicians and professional lobbyists. What if being an effective citizen was easier than you’ve been led to believe? In this episode, Connor walks us through the simple steps involved in making your voice heard by your elected representatives. The only reason more people don’t tend to do this is that they simply haven’t been taught how. Links mentioned: The Right, Wrong Kinds of Activists by Bryan HydeSociety and the State19:3862: Avoiding Criticismhttp://societyandthestate.com/62-avoiding-criticism/
Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:25:23 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=488http://societyandthestate.com/62-avoiding-criticism/#commentshttp://societyandthestate.com/62-avoiding-criticism/feed/1According to Aristotle, the only surefire way to avoid being criticized is to “Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” On the other hand, if you’re determined to live a life of purpose, it’s a certainty that you’ll encounter critics. Having a thick skin is a necessity. We also need to understand when to explain ourselves and when to keep plowing forward without becoming distracted. Not all criticism is bad. Not all criticism is deserved. Learn which critics are worth hearing out and which ones must be ignored if you’re to be effective in wielding your influence. Links mentioned: Criss […]According to Aristotle, the only surefire way to avoid being criticized is to “Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” On the other hand, if you’re determined to live a life of purpose, it’s a certainty that you’ll encounter critics. Having a thick skin is a necessity. We also need to understand when to explain ourselves and when to keep plowing forward without becoming distracted. Not all criticism is bad. Not all criticism is deserved. Learn which critics are worth hearing out and which ones must be ignored if you’re to be effective in wielding your influence.

]]>According to Aristotle, the only surefire way to avoid being criticized is to “Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” On the other hand, if you’re determined to live a life of purpose, it’s a certainty that you’ll encounter critics.According to Aristotle, the only surefire way to avoid being criticized is to “Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” On the other hand, if you’re determined to live a life of purpose, it’s a certainty that you’ll encounter critics. Having a thick skin is a necessity. We also need to understand when to explain ourselves and when to keep plowing forward without becoming distracted. Not all criticism is bad. Not all criticism is deserved. Learn which critics are worth hearing out and which ones must be ignored if you’re to be effective in wielding your influence. Links mentioned: Criss […]Society and the State27:1561: Dave Staheli on What Business Owners Wish More of Us Understoodhttp://societyandthestate.com/61-dave-staheli-on-what-business-owners-wish-more-of-us-understood/
Fri, 26 Jan 2018 13:38:37 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=479http://societyandthestate.com/61-dave-staheli-on-what-business-owners-wish-more-of-us-understood/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/61-dave-staheli-on-what-business-owners-wish-more-of-us-understood/feed/0Here’s a success story worth sharing. Dave Staheli knows what it takes to turn a great idea into a thriving business with international impact. In this episode, Dave shares his thoughts on the power of entrepreneurship and why some folks are born to create. He also offers some key insights regarding what business owners wish everyone understood about starting and running a business. About the Guest Dave Staheli is the founder and president of Staheli West Manufacturing, based in Cedar City, Utah. He is the creator of the DewPoint hay harvesting machine which is revolutionizing hay farming by […]Here’s a success story worth sharing. Dave Staheli knows what it takes to turn a great idea into a thriving business with international impact. In this episode, Dave shares his thoughts on the power of entrepreneurship and why some folks are born to create. He also offers some key insights regarding what business owners wish everyone understood about starting and running a business.

Dave Staheli is the founder and president of Staheli West Manufacturing, based in Cedar City, Utah. He is the creator of the DewPoint hay harvesting machine which is revolutionizing hay farming by creating the perfect moisture conditions for harvesting. DewPoints are beginning to be found in fields across western United States, and are now cropping up in Australia, and soon to be Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Ukraine.

]]>Here’s a success story worth sharing. Dave Staheli knows what it takes to turn a great idea into a thriving business with international impact. In this episode, Dave shares his thoughts on the power of entrepreneurship and why some folks are born to cr...Here’s a success story worth sharing. Dave Staheli knows what it takes to turn a great idea into a thriving business with international impact. In this episode, Dave shares his thoughts on the power of entrepreneurship and why some folks are born to create. He also offers some key insights regarding what business owners wish everyone understood about starting and running a business. About the Guest Dave Staheli is the founder and president of Staheli West Manufacturing, based in Cedar City, Utah. He is the creator of the DewPoint hay harvesting machine which is revolutionizing hay farming by […]Society and the State24:1160: What Should We Think of Virtue Signaling?http://societyandthestate.com/60-what-should-we-think-of-virtue-signaling/
Thu, 18 Jan 2018 23:14:10 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=473http://societyandthestate.com/60-what-should-we-think-of-virtue-signaling/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/60-what-should-we-think-of-virtue-signaling/feed/0In a time of perpetual outrage, it’s not surprising that virtue signaling would become a fashionable way for individuals to engage in highly public displays of their own inherent goodness. Unfortunately, virtue signaling is too often based in people trumpeting what they’re against rather than what they actually stand for. If we’re serious about standing for what we believe, how can we do it in such a way that we’re not simply proclaiming superiority over other folks? More importantly, how can we translate our beliefs into action rather than simply talk? Links mentioned: Random Acts Hollywood and Fake Virtue […]In a time of perpetual outrage, it’s not surprising that virtue signaling would become a fashionable way for individuals to engage in highly public displays of their own inherent goodness. Unfortunately, virtue signaling is too often based in people trumpeting what they’re against rather than what they actually stand for. If we’re serious about standing for what we believe, how can we do it in such a way that we’re not simply proclaiming superiority over other folks? More importantly, how can we translate our beliefs into action rather than simply talk?

]]>In a time of perpetual outrage, it’s not surprising that virtue signaling would become a fashionable way for individuals to engage in highly public displays of their own inherent goodness. Unfortunately, virtue signaling is too often based in people tr...In a time of perpetual outrage, it’s not surprising that virtue signaling would become a fashionable way for individuals to engage in highly public displays of their own inherent goodness. Unfortunately, virtue signaling is too often based in people trumpeting what they’re against rather than what they actually stand for. If we’re serious about standing for what we believe, how can we do it in such a way that we’re not simply proclaiming superiority over other folks? More importantly, how can we translate our beliefs into action rather than simply talk? Links mentioned: Random Acts Hollywood and Fake Virtue […]Society and the State18:1259: Jeremy Snow on Why Due Process Mattershttp://societyandthestate.com/59-jeremy-snow-on-why-due-process-matters/
Mon, 15 Jan 2018 16:51:26 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=467http://societyandthestate.com/59-jeremy-snow-on-why-due-process-matters/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/59-jeremy-snow-on-why-due-process-matters/feed/0We hear the phrase “due process” from time to time but it’s doubtful that many of us grasp how essential this concept is to a free society. Lawless individuals can certainly cause harm and suffering but lawless government also causes serious harm—and on a much larger scale. It’s never a good idea to allow the state to cut corners when it comes to the pursuit of justice. In this episode, attorney Jeremy Snow joins us to discuss what due process is and why it matters more than we may think. About the Guest Jeremy J. Snow grew up on […]We hear the phrase “due process” from time to time but it’s doubtful that many of us grasp how essential this concept is to a free society. Lawless individuals can certainly cause harm and suffering but lawless government also causes serious harm—and on a much larger scale. It’s never a good idea to allow the state to cut corners when it comes to the pursuit of justice. In this episode, attorney Jeremy Snow joins us to discuss what due process is and why it matters more than we may think.

Jeremy J. Snow grew up on a cattle ranch in Eastern Utah where he learned hard work, dedication, and common sense. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Animal Science, then attended Harvard University for his law degree. Jeremy uses that world class education and hometown common sense to persuade judges, juries, and prosecutors to get the best possible results for his clients.

]]>We hear the phrase “due process” from time to time but it’s doubtful that many of us grasp how essential this concept is to a free society. Lawless individuals can certainly cause harm and suffering but lawless government also causes serious harm—and o...We hear the phrase “due process” from time to time but it’s doubtful that many of us grasp how essential this concept is to a free society. Lawless individuals can certainly cause harm and suffering but lawless government also causes serious harm—and on a much larger scale. It’s never a good idea to allow the state to cut corners when it comes to the pursuit of justice. In this episode, attorney Jeremy Snow joins us to discuss what due process is and why it matters more than we may think. About the Guest Jeremy J. Snow grew up on […]Society and the State25:5058: Should Speed Limits Be Abolished?http://societyandthestate.com/58-should-speed-limits-be-abolished/
Tue, 09 Jan 2018 00:46:08 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=459http://societyandthestate.com/58-should-speed-limits-be-abolished/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/58-should-speed-limits-be-abolished/feed/0This is a long overdue discussion about speed limits between a couple of guys who each suffer from a lead foot. It’s not an attempt to normalize or excuse unsafe driving. We ask sincere questions about why speed limits exist and whether they are the panacea for automotive safety that we’re often told they are. Prepare to have your notions about speed limits and similar laws challenged as we separate fact from fiction and public safety from cash cows. Links mentioned: Utah DOT: No Downside to 80 MPH Speed Limit The Truth About Cars A Reasonable and Prudent Approach […]This is a long overdue discussion about speed limits between a couple of guys who each suffer from a lead foot. It’s not an attempt to normalize or excuse unsafe driving. We ask sincere questions about why speed limits exist and whether they are the panacea for automotive safety that we’re often told they are. Prepare to have your notions about speed limits and similar laws challenged as we separate fact from fiction and public safety from cash cows.

]]>This is a long overdue discussion about speed limits between a couple of guys who each suffer from a lead foot. It’s not an attempt to normalize or excuse unsafe driving. We ask sincere questions about why speed limits exist and whether they are the pa...This is a long overdue discussion about speed limits between a couple of guys who each suffer from a lead foot. It’s not an attempt to normalize or excuse unsafe driving. We ask sincere questions about why speed limits exist and whether they are the panacea for automotive safety that we’re often told they are. Prepare to have your notions about speed limits and similar laws challenged as we separate fact from fiction and public safety from cash cows. Links mentioned: Utah DOT: No Downside to 80 MPH Speed Limit The Truth About Cars A Reasonable and Prudent Approach […]Society and the State24:0857: John Dougall on What’s Happening in Puerto Ricohttp://societyandthestate.com/57-john-dougall-on-whats-happening-in-puerto-rico/
Wed, 03 Jan 2018 17:29:13 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=453http://societyandthestate.com/57-john-dougall-on-whats-happening-in-puerto-rico/#respondhttp://societyandthestate.com/57-john-dougall-on-whats-happening-in-puerto-rico/feed/0It’s been a few months since Puerto Rico was devastated by two major hurricanes. Since then, news coverage of the disaster has largely disappeared from our awareness. Meanwhile, a majority of the island’s residents remain without electricity and likely will for a few more months. But there is some good news coming out of Puerto Rico. Utah State Auditor John Dougall joins us on the podcast to highlight some of the heroic efforts underway to help clean up and to restore basic utilities. About the Guest John Dougall is the Utah State Auditor. Prior to becoming State Auditor, Mr. […]It’s been a few months since Puerto Rico was devastated by two major hurricanes. Since then, news coverage of the disaster has largely disappeared from our awareness. Meanwhile, a majority of the island’s residents remain without electricity and likely will for a few more months. But there is some good news coming out of Puerto Rico. Utah State Auditor John Dougall joins us on the podcast to highlight some of the heroic efforts underway to help clean up and to restore basic utilities.

John Dougall is the Utah State Auditor. Prior to becoming State Auditor, Mr. Dougall served 10 years as a member of the Utah House of Representatives. In addition to his political activities, Mr. Dougall has a long career in the technology sector, working for large companies and small start-ups, in an array of management and technical positions.

]]>It’s been a few months since Puerto Rico was devastated by two major hurricanes. Since then, news coverage of the disaster has largely disappeared from our awareness. Meanwhile, a majority of the island’s residents remain without electricity and likely...It’s been a few months since Puerto Rico was devastated by two major hurricanes. Since then, news coverage of the disaster has largely disappeared from our awareness. Meanwhile, a majority of the island’s residents remain without electricity and likely will for a few more months. But there is some good news coming out of Puerto Rico. Utah State Auditor John Dougall joins us on the podcast to highlight some of the heroic efforts underway to help clean up and to restore basic utilities. About the Guest John Dougall is the Utah State Auditor. Prior to becoming State Auditor, Mr. […]Society and the State28:3656: The Bundy Trial Isn’t Just About the Bundyshttp://societyandthestate.com/56-the-bundy-trial-isnt-just-about-the-bundys/
Wed, 27 Dec 2017 20:33:22 +0000http://societyandthestate.com/?p=449http://societyandthestate.com/56-the-bundy-trial-isnt-just-about-the-bundys/#commentshttp://societyandthestate.com/56-the-bundy-trial-isnt-just-about-the-bundys/feed/1You’ve likely heard about the Bundy trial that’s been taking place these past few weeks in Las Vegas. What many people don’t realize is that the conflict over cattle and public lands are merely symptoms of a larger power struggle that’s been going on for decades. It’s been a long time since the average citizen has had to do any heavy lifting regarding keeping government–at all levels–accountable to we the people. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes insights about the Bundy family’s struggle and why it affects more than just Western ranchers. Links mentioned: The Bundys Vs. The Bureaucracy St. […]You’ve likely heard about the Bundy trial that’s been taking place these past few weeks in Las Vegas. What many people don’t realize is that the conflict over cattle and public lands are merely symptoms of a larger power struggle that’s been going on for decades. It’s been a long time since the average citizen has had to do any heavy lifting regarding keeping government–at all levels–accountable to we the people. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes insights about the Bundy family’s struggle and why it affects more than just Western ranchers.

]]>You’ve likely heard about the Bundy trial that’s been taking place these past few weeks in Las Vegas. What many people don’t realize is that the conflict over cattle and public lands are merely symptoms of a larger power struggle that’s been going on f...You’ve likely heard about the Bundy trial that’s been taking place these past few weeks in Las Vegas. What many people don’t realize is that the conflict over cattle and public lands are merely symptoms of a larger power struggle that’s been going on for decades. It’s been a long time since the average citizen has had to do any heavy lifting regarding keeping government–at all levels–accountable to we the people. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes insights about the Bundy family’s struggle and why it affects more than just Western ranchers. Links mentioned: The Bundys Vs. The Bureaucracy St. […]Society and the State29:31